It’s summer in the Midwest, so you must be itching to enjoy the weather while it lasts! Great hiking spots don’t just exist in this area… Milwaukee is full of them! It might seem hard to find a spot to go hiking in the city, but look no further. Here are 10 spots around the city to get your nature fix.
- Oak Leaf Trail
Jason Gessner / Flickr This bike trail takes the crown, connecting all of Milwaukee’s major parks. The 108-mile paved trail is tough to beat, and is accessible and welcoming to novices and advanced hikers alike. It even won the title of Best Urban Bike Trail in 2012 and 2013.
- Hank Aaron State Trail
Xnatedogx / Wikimedia Commons Named after the Brewers’ right fielder, Hank Aaron, this trail will take you through the heart of Milwaukee. Starting at the lakefront and ending in Wauwatosa, this path leads right through the city, passing landmarks such as Miller Park and the Harley-Davidson Museum. Whether you’re walking, biking, or anything in between, this 12-mile trail is perfect for sightseeing.
- Menomonee River Parkway
Joseph Kranak / Flickr Alongside the Menomonee River in Wauwatosa, you’ll find beautiful pathways and trails to stroll down. Much of the parkway has been recently renewed, so you won’t even get stuck in any potholes anymore! In the midst of the parkway, you’ll also find Hoyt Park, which hosts many short and relaxing trails.
- Milwaukee Lakefront - Lakeshore State Park
Erin / Flickr Located on beautiful Lake Michigan rests one of Milwaukee’s most iconic parks. Lakeshore State Park is the only urban state park in Wisconsin and includes a 1.7 mile trail that connects to both the Hank Aaron and Oak Leaf trails.
- Grant Park Beach
Dan Mullen / Flickr On the south side of Milwaukee, you will find yourself in what feels like a whole new world. Not only does this park provide trails to wind through, you’ll find Seven Bridges, a popular destination filled with foot bridges and stone staircases. If you listen closely enough, you might hear the sound of rushing water from the hidden waterfalls!
- Riverside Park
Cmadler / Wikimedia Commons This park might be plopped down right in the middle of the inner city, but it can feel like an escape amidst the 15-acres of wooded land and riparian habitat. Milwaukee recently added a public Arboretum to the park, so you can learn about nature as you walk through the trees and along the Milwaukee River.
- Havenwoods State Forest
Jeramey Jannene / Flickr This forest features everything you could possibly want, from grasslands to woods, wetlands and much more! Not only will you find all the nature you need, but there is also a ton of history hidden in these woods. In 1956, the Army housed a missile base at Havenwoods. Though the site was abandoned, the Army Reserve still used Havenwoods as a training facility. Now this 237-acre forest is open to the public for your enjoyment, and it’s absolutely breathtaking.
- Greenfield Park Trail
Purple Slog / Flickr This 1.2-mile loop is located right outside of the city in Greenfield Park. It’s a beautiful place to take a stroll. If you’re into bird watching, it’s known to be inhabited by quite a few species!
- Three Bridges Park
Aaron Volkening / Flickr This park is a fairly new addition to the Menomonee Valley. Three Bridges Park was once part of a wild rice marsh, later served a rail yard, and then became a vacant site for decades. Now it’s home to an outdoor science classroom and is part of the Hank Aaron Trail. Three Bridges is a nice little slice of nature in the middle of the city.
- Veteran’s Park
Indy Kethdy / Flickr This 91-acre park is the perfect location to take a leisurely walk along the lakefront. Don’t forget to check out the kite building while you’re at it!
These hiking spots are only a taste of all the outdoor fun and relaxation Milwaukee has to offer. Where do you hike in Milwaukee? Let us know in the comments below, and share your photos!
Jason Gessner / Flickr
This bike trail takes the crown, connecting all of Milwaukee’s major parks. The 108-mile paved trail is tough to beat, and is accessible and welcoming to novices and advanced hikers alike. It even won the title of Best Urban Bike Trail in 2012 and 2013.
Xnatedogx / Wikimedia Commons
Named after the Brewers’ right fielder, Hank Aaron, this trail will take you through the heart of Milwaukee. Starting at the lakefront and ending in Wauwatosa, this path leads right through the city, passing landmarks such as Miller Park and the Harley-Davidson Museum. Whether you’re walking, biking, or anything in between, this 12-mile trail is perfect for sightseeing.
Joseph Kranak / Flickr
Alongside the Menomonee River in Wauwatosa, you’ll find beautiful pathways and trails to stroll down. Much of the parkway has been recently renewed, so you won’t even get stuck in any potholes anymore! In the midst of the parkway, you’ll also find Hoyt Park, which hosts many short and relaxing trails.
Erin / Flickr
Located on beautiful Lake Michigan rests one of Milwaukee’s most iconic parks. Lakeshore State Park is the only urban state park in Wisconsin and includes a 1.7 mile trail that connects to both the Hank Aaron and Oak Leaf trails.
Dan Mullen / Flickr
On the south side of Milwaukee, you will find yourself in what feels like a whole new world. Not only does this park provide trails to wind through, you’ll find Seven Bridges, a popular destination filled with foot bridges and stone staircases. If you listen closely enough, you might hear the sound of rushing water from the hidden waterfalls!
Cmadler / Wikimedia Commons
This park might be plopped down right in the middle of the inner city, but it can feel like an escape amidst the 15-acres of wooded land and riparian habitat. Milwaukee recently added a public Arboretum to the park, so you can learn about nature as you walk through the trees and along the Milwaukee River.
Jeramey Jannene / Flickr
This forest features everything you could possibly want, from grasslands to woods, wetlands and much more! Not only will you find all the nature you need, but there is also a ton of history hidden in these woods. In 1956, the Army housed a missile base at Havenwoods. Though the site was abandoned, the Army Reserve still used Havenwoods as a training facility. Now this 237-acre forest is open to the public for your enjoyment, and it’s absolutely breathtaking.
Purple Slog / Flickr
This 1.2-mile loop is located right outside of the city in Greenfield Park. It’s a beautiful place to take a stroll. If you’re into bird watching, it’s known to be inhabited by quite a few species!
Aaron Volkening / Flickr
This park is a fairly new addition to the Menomonee Valley. Three Bridges Park was once part of a wild rice marsh, later served a rail yard, and then became a vacant site for decades. Now it’s home to an outdoor science classroom and is part of the Hank Aaron Trail. Three Bridges is a nice little slice of nature in the middle of the city.
Indy Kethdy / Flickr
This 91-acre park is the perfect location to take a leisurely walk along the lakefront. Don’t forget to check out the kite building while you’re at it!
For more outdoor fun in and around the city, check out these amazing state parks.
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